A Travel Price Comparison for France Caen vs. Arles for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Caen or Arles?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Caen and Arles. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Caen

Caen is a important, historic, and park-filled city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food. See Caen travel costs.

Arles

Arles is a charming, compact, and quaint town. Arles is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Arles travel costs.

Caen and Arles: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Known for its beauty
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Caen or Arles?

Both Arles and Caen have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Caen is better known for its big city activities, while Arles is more popular for its museums and attractions, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Caen is well known for its role in World War II and its memorials and historical buildings. Arles is well known for its Roman history and its influence over Vincent van Gogh.

How is Caen different from Arles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Arles and Caen. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Caen or Arles?

Caen
Arles

Arles is renowned for its museums and history. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Arles from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. It's a small town but it's filled with Roman ruins and remarkable landmarks. Popular sights include L'Amphithéâtre Romain, Les Alyscamps, Cloître Saint-Trophime, and Théâtre Antique.

Caen offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are many monuments around town commemorating the city's long history. You'll want to see Château de Caen, Pegasus Bridge, Mémorial de Caen, Musée de Normandie, and Musée des beaux-arts de Caen.


Is the Food Better in Caen or Arles? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Caen
Arles

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at high quality restaurants in both Caen and Arles.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Caen. There's a market that's at its best on Sundays where you'll find fresh produce and other local ingredients. There are also Michelin starred restaurants, seafood restaurants, and other traditional dishes. Head to the Vaugueux Quarter for traditional dishes.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Arles. The cuisine is heavily influenced by the region's local agriculture. Popular dishes include agriade (beef stew), tellines soup, and fougasse (a local bread).

Is Caen or Arles Better for Nightlife?

Caen
Arles

The notable nightlife scene is relatively similar in Caen and Arles.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Caen. The nightlife scene stays active thanks to the 30,000 students living in town. Head to the Rue Ecuyère for a pub crawl or hit up any of the other bars around town.

Arles has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are countless bars and pubs where you can enjoy a cold drink and a relaxing night out.

Is Caen or Arles Better for its Old Town?

Caen
Arles

Arles is renowned for its historic old town. However, Caen does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Arles is one of the most recognized in the world. The large old town is filled with Roman ruins and historic sights. There are narrow streets and many interesting places to explore.

Caen does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Caen or Arles?

Caen
Arles

Arles is a good destination for shopping. However, Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Arles. There are many boutiques that are filled with local art, crafts, and merchandise.

Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Caen or Arles More Beautiful?

Caen
Arles

Arles is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Caen is not a destination known for its beauty.

Arles is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. This small city is famous for inspiring works by Vincent Van Gogh.

Caen is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Caen or Arles Better for Families?

Caen
Arles

Caen is very good for its family-friendly activities. However, Arles is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Caen. There are museums, parks, monasteries, and castles that kids and adults alike with enjoy visiting.

For families, Arles is not always the best place to visit. Filled with Roman ruins and beautiful art, this is a great town, but can make for a long day for younger kids.


Is Caen or Arles Better for Couples?

Caen
Arles

Arles is a very popular place for romance. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Arles makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy history, roman ruins, and beautiful art will appreciate a weekend getaway to this town.

Caen makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples that are fascinated by history will enjoy a visit to this town in Normandy. There are also abbeys, castles and parks.

Is Caen or Arles Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Caen
Arles

Caen is very good for backpackers. However, Arles is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Caen is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. You'll find more apartments and bed and breakfasts than hostels in town, but backpackers still make their way here.

Arles is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels and apartments in the area.

Is Caen or Arles Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Caen
Arles

Caen is well known for its public transit. Also, Arles is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Caen. There are buses and trams that travel throughout the city.

While Arles offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are shuttle buses that run between the city center and the train station, which is less than a kilometer out of town.


Is Caen or Arles a more walkable city?

Caen
Arles

Arles is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

Arles is very walkable. It's a historic walled city that is very walkable.

Caen is a somewhat walkable place. The city center is best explored on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Caen Worth Visiting? and Is Arles Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Arles or Caen?

How long in Caen or Arles?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Caen or Arles to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Caen than Arles because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Caen, and 1-2 days is enough time in Arles.

Families should spend more time in Caen than Arles. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Caen, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Arles than Caen. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Arles that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Caen than Arles if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Caen.


  • How many days in Caen or Arles? Ideal Length of Stay
    Caen 2-3 
    Arles 1-2

One day in Caen or Arles?

In Caen, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this historic destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Arles. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Caen or Arles?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Caen. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Arles is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the museums. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


Five days in Caen or Arles?

Caen is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Caen. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the quaint destination of Arles. This town offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Caen or Arles?

You'll find nightlife and food around the park-filled destination of Caen. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The charming town of Arles offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in France, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, The Best 2-Week Tours in France, and The Best River Cruises in France.


Which place is cheaper, Arles or Caen?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Caen is €152, while the average daily cost in Arles is €179. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Caen and Arles in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Caen 61
    Arles 71
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Caen 122
    Arles 142
Compare Hotels in Caen and Arles

Looking for a hotel in Caen or Arles? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Caen


Hotels in Arles


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Caen Hotel Prices and Arles Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Caen 35
    Arles 23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Caen

Also for Caen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Caen Carpiquet Airport (CFR) to Caen - Arrival Private Transfer: $32
  • Caen to Caen Carpiquet Airport (CFR) - Departure Private Transfer: $32
  • Transfer to/from Caen-Carpiquet Airport: $96
  • Private Transfer Round-Trip from Caen Airport (CFR) to Caen: $63
  • Tourist transfert from Deauville/Honfleur to Paris: $525
  • Tourist transfert from Le Havre to Paris: $525
  • Tourist transfert with stops from Caen to Deauville: $214
  • Tourist transfert with stops from Caen to Paris: $627
  • Tourist transfert with stops from Reims to Caen: $1,142

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Arles

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Arles:

  • Arles to Marseille Airport (MRS) - Departure Private Transfer: $116

Is it cheaper to fly into Caen or Arles?

Prices for flights to both Arles and Caen change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Caen 69
    Arles 89

Typical Food Prices in Arles

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Arles:


  • Cooked Clams
    4.50
  • Ice Cream
    1.00

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Caen 19
    Arles 31

Tours and Activities in Caen

For Caen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Caen Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Memorial Museum Entrance Ticket: $16
  • Caen gourmet food walking tour: Enjoy Calvados' flavors: $38
  • Caen Like a Local: Customized Guided Walking Tour: $51
  • Caen : Private Walking Custom Tour with a Local Guide: $59
  • Private custom tour with a local guide: $59
  • Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide in Caen: $60
  • Private Guided Bike Tour of Cabourg and Dives in French: $74
  • Guided Tour in an Old Convertible Car on the Côte de Nacre: $93
  • Guided D-Day Sites Tour & Caen Memorial Museum Ticket: $128
  • Mémorial de Caen Museum Admission and Guided Tour of D-Day Sites: $133
  • Private Guided Walking Tour: $160

Typical Entertainment Prices in Arles

Here are a few typical costs in Arles for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Castle Entrance Fee
    5.50

Tours and Activities in Arles

Here are a few actual costs in Arles for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Arles - Private Historic Walking Tour: $482
  • Arles 2-Hour Private Walking Tour: $187
  • Arles Private guided walking tour from Marseille: $450
  • Arles Vincent Van Gogh Self Guided Walking Tour with an APP: $8.99
  • Arles Vincent Van Gogh Walking Tour with an APP: $8.99
  • Arles gourmet food walking tour: Discover Camargue's flavors: $38
  • Arles, Saint-Rémy & Les Baux De Provence: Guided Tour: $1,179
  • 2-Hour Private Walking Tour: $205
  • Art and History Walking Tour: $300
  • From Avignon: Arles, Les Baux-de-Provence & Saint-Rémy Tour: $117
  • Half Day Private Guided Tour of Arles: $201
  • Provence Region Roman Abbey of Montmajour Entrance Ticket: $7.59

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Caen 17
    Arles 24

Sample the Local Flavors in Arles

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Arles:

  • Lavender Field & Distillery Tour between Nimes & Arles: $6.22


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Caen and Arles, we can see that Arles is more expensive. And not only is Caen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Caen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Caen and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Arles would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Arles than you might in Caen.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Caen Expensive? and Is Arles Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Caen or Arles?

Caen has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Arles. When comparing the sizes of Caen and Arles, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Caen or Arles?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Caen or Arles in the Summer?

Both Arles and Caen during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Caen for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Arles in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Caen is generally cooler than Arles. Daily temperatures in Caen average around 18°C (64°F), and Arles fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In Arles, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Caen. In the summer, Caen often gets less sunshine than Arles. Caen gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 354 hours of full sun.

Caen usually gets more rain in July than Arles. Caen gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Arles receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Caen 18°C (64°F) 
    Arles 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Caen or Arles in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Caen and Arles. Many visitors come to Caen in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions. Also, most visitors come to Arles for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Caen is cooler than Arles in the autumn. The daily temperature in Caen averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Arles fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Caen usually receives less sunshine than Arles during autumn. Caen gets 128 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Arles receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Caen usually receives less rain than Arles. Caen gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Arles receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Caen 12°C (54°F) 
    Arles 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Caen or Arles in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Caen as well as Arles. Most visitors come to Caen for the museums and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Arles because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Caen can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Caen is cooler than Arles. Typically, the winter temperatures in Caen in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Arles averages at about 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Caen often gets less sunshine than Arles. Caen gets 70 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 146 hours of full sun.

Caen usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Arles. Caen gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Arles receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Caen 5°C (41°F) 
    Arles 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Caen or Arles in the Spring?

Both Arles and Caen are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Caen because of the activities around the city. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Arles this time of year.

In April, Caen is generally cooler than Arles. Daily temperatures in Caen average around 9°C (49°F), and Arles fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Arles. Caen usually receives less sunshine than Arles during spring. Caen gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 218 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Caen usually receives less rain than Arles. Caen gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Arles receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Caen 9°C (49°F) 
    Arles 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Arles and Caen

Caen Arles
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (41°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 7°C (44°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 5°C (42°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 8°C (46°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 10°C (50°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 9°C (49°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 13°C (56°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
May 13°C (55°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 60 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 15°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in) 21°C (69°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 24°C (75°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 23°C (74°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 20°C (69°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 12°C (54°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 16°C (61°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Nov 8°C (47°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Dec 6°C (43°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 7°C (45°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)